Word origin of 'mug'

C18: perhaps from mug1, since drinking vessels were sometimes modelled into the likeness of a face

mug for learners of EnglishPowered by COBUILD (mʌg)

Word forms: mugs, mugging, mugged

Definitions

1. countable noun

A mug is a large deepcup with straight sides and a handle, used for hot drinks. ⇒ He spooned instant coffee into two of the mugs.

A mug of something is the amount of it contained in a mug. [+ of] ⇒ He had been drinking mugs of coffee to keep himself awake.

2. verb

If someone mugs you, they attack you in order to steal your money. [V n] ⇒ I was walking out to my car when this guy tried to mug me. [V n] ⇒ He has been mugged more than once.

muggingWord forms: muggingsvariable noun ⇒ Bank robberies, burglaries and muggings are reported almost daily in the press. ⇒ We usually think of a victim of mugging as being someone elderly.

3. countable noun

If you say that someone is a mug, you mean that they are stupid and easily deceived by other people. [British, informal, disapproval] ⇒ He's a mug as far as women are concerned. ⇒ I feel such a mug for signing the agreement.